Study plan for MAHF-LING Master's Programme in Linguistics, høst 2024

ECTS Credits

120 credits. The study is normalized to two years and consists of a course part of 60 credits and a master's thesis of 60 credits.

Name of qualification

Master in Linguistics

Full-time/Part-time

The program is organized as a full-time study, but can also be taken as a 50% part-time study upon application.

Language of Instruction

English if students not speaking Norwegian attend, otherwise Norwegian

Semester

Start in the fall term. It may be possible to admit students to the spring term as well. Contact advice.lle@uib.no for information.

Objectives and content

Linguistics is the science of human language and language use. Linguists attempt to find how language can be characterized as a cognitive human skill, a system for communication, and an important cultural and social phenomenon. The study of language comprises methods to analyze and model language, based on linguistic theories which attempt to formally describe language structures in ways that account for similarities and differences between human languages.

The master's program in Linguistics consists of an in-depth study of selected linguistic topics such as modern linguistic theory, psycholinguistics and artificial intelligence. It also includes an introduction to inductive, qualitative and computer-based research methods in linguistics, thus preparing students for carrying out independent linguistic research projects.

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the candidate will have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate ...

• has in-depth knowledge of linguistic theory and methods;
• can use knowledge in new areas within linguistics;
• has advanced knowledge in linguistics and specialized insight in some limited areas, for example modern grammatical theory or computer methods;
• can analyze linguistic issues based on the history, traditions, uniqueness and place in society of linguistics.

Skills

The candidate ...

• can analyze and critically evaluate various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate linguistic reasoning;
• can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations within linguistics and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving;
• can use relevant methods for linguistic research, for example corpus and field methods, and development work in an independent way;
• can carry out an independent, delimited research or development project under guidance and in line with current research ethics norms;
• can use computer and quantitative research methods, for example statistics, machine learning and programming.

General competence

The candidate ...

• can analyze scientific, professional and research ethics issues that are relevant in linguistics;
• can use their linguistic knowledge and skills in new areas to complete advanced work tasks and projects;
• can report on substantial independent work and master linguistic forms of expression;
• can communicate about linguistic issues, analyzes and conclusions, both with specialists and for a general audience;
• can contribute to linguistic innovation and in relevant innovation processes.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master's Programme in Linguistics you need a bachelor´s degree in Linquistics or equivalent. You must hold a minimum of 80 ECTS in relevant linguistics courses, including general syntax, semantics, phonology and morphology, as well as programming and statistics for language studies.

In addition it is recommended that students have at least 60 ECTS from language studies in their bachelor's degree, and that students have sufficient knowledge in Norwegian or English and one other language to allow the study of examples and data in these languages.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

• Bachelor degree in Linguistics

Other bachelor degrees that qualify:

• A bachelor degree with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS in linguistics

You also need to document:

• Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C) in relevant subjects;
• Proficiency in English

Compulsory units

LING306- Experimental Psycholinguistics (15 ECTS)

LING310- Computer Models of Language and Applications (15 ECTS)

LING313 - Methods for Master's Students in Language and Linguistics (15 ECTS)

LING314 - Language across Modalities (15 ECTS)

LING350 - Linguistics - Master's Thesis (60 ECTS)

Sequential Requirements, courses

1st semester (fall):

LING306 - Experimental Psycholinguistics (15 ECTS)

LING310 - Computer Models of Language and Applications (15 ECTS)

2nd semester (spring):

LING313 - Methods for Master's Students in Language and Linguistics (15 ECTS)

LING314 - Language across Modalities (15 ECTS)

3rd and 4th semester:

LING350 - Linguistics - Master's Thesis (60 ECTS)

Study period abroad

It is possible to take parts of the study program at institutions abroad. Further information can be obtained from the study advisor.

Teaching and learning methods

The master's program includes various forms of teaching; for example lectures, seminars, group teaching, exercises and individual guidance.

For more detailed information, see the course syllabus for each course.

Assessment methods

LING350: Master's thesis with final oral exam. The master's thesis must have between 70 - 110 pages (plus any attachments).

Other subjects: Term paper or take-home exam.

For more detailed information, see the descriptions of the individual courses.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

A diploma is provided after the degree is completed.

Grading scale

In assessments, one of two grading scales can be used:

1) A - F

2) Passed or failed

For more detailed information, see the descriptions of the individual courses.

Access to further studies

The study can provide a basis for further PhD education within linguistics or other language-related research areas. This required consistently good grades in the study program.

Employability

The master's degree in linguistics can provide a basis for work with research and teaching, and for work in other fields where language is central: publishing work, for example in work with dictionaries and textbooks; sales work and language consultancy; advertising and information industry; languages ​​in public administration and in information technology.

Evaluation

The programme is continuously evaluated in line with the guidelines for quality assurance at UiB. Course and program evaluations can be found at kvalitetsbasen.app.uib.no

Programme committee

The Program Committee for Linguistics is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study program and for the quality of the study program.

Administrative responsibility

Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies.

Contact information

For further information get in touch with advice.lle@uib.no